Home Ownership CenterHome Ownership Center


 

Thinking of buying your first home?  The Minnesota Home Ownership Center offers resources and education to first time home buyers. 

 

Buying a home is probably the largest purchase you’ll ever make.  Empower yourself with information to make smart decisions and become a successful homeowner.  Understand the home buying process and be prepared for the important choices related to home ownership

Learn more about the Home Buyer's Programs:

 

                  

HOUSING
COUNSELING



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Your Closest Counselor

Housing Counseling

Not sure where to start? Wondering if you might qualify for any down payment or first-time home buyer programs? Housing Counselors offer FREE private & confidential one-on-one professional advice to help you achieve your dream of homeownership.

Our Housing Counselors will work with you to:

    •  Determine what you can afford
    •  Develop a budget and savings plan
    •  Find the right mortgage product for your needs
    •  Address credit problems that could prevent you from getting a mortgage
    •  Create a customized Action Plan with specific, manageable steps to help you achieve your goals

As part of the counseling process, and for a nominal fee, a Housing Counselor can provide you a copy of your credit report.

 

 

   

HOME BUYER
WORKSHOPS



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An Upcoming
Workshop

Home Buyer Workshops (Home Stretch)

Home Stretch workshops are offered throughout the state of Minnesota and cover, start-to-finish, the entire home buying proces. The Home Stretch Workshop will help you become an informed, prepared consumer. The workshop offers objective, practical information to help you get on the path to homeownership. 

 

    • Determine your financial situation
    • Understand credit, credit issues, and how credit affects the costs of homeownership
    • Decide what type of mortgage is best for your needs
    • Select the right home for your family
    • Understand the loan closing process
    • Find special programs just for first-time homebuyers


    And much more! For a complete listing of upcoming workshops, use the map here.

 

 

NSP
PROGRAMS



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More Information

Neighborhood Stabilization Program Participants (NSP) 


If you are participating in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) you are required to complete 8 hours of pre-purchase education and counseling from a HUD-Approved Counseling Agency.

 

Please note: Not all Home Stretch providers are HUD approved agencies. For a complete list of all Home Stretch providers that are HUD counseling agencies, click here.

 

NSP Approved workshops are also highlighted in the results of a workshop search, here.

 

  

OTHER 
RESOURCES



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Additional
Resources for
First-Time Homebuyers

 

OTHER RESOURCES
 

The Minnesota Home Ownership Center is in the process of creating a number of consumer-oriented fact sheets that can assist MN homebuyers on their road to home ownership.

Topics currently include:  

 

  • Tax incentives for first-time buyers
  • Down-Payment and Entry Cost Assistance Programs in Minnesota
  • Understanding the New HUD-1 & GFE 
  • Matrix of Affordable Loan Products available in Minnesota

 

 

Many more products in development!